
Polk State Director of Nursing inducted as Academy of Associate Degree Nursing fellow

Polk State College’s Director of Nursing Annette Hutcherson was recently inducted as a fellow into the Organization for Associate Degree Nursing (OADN) Academy for Associate Degree Nursing (AADN) for her outstanding contributions to nursing in…

Polk State alum from Nigeria achieves dreams and medical degree

When Dr. Ojochide Shaibu moved from Nigeria to the United States, he was armed with a dream to serve humanity through medicine and only $70 in his pocket. “I knew what I wanted to do,…

Polk State EMS graduates first class from paramedic partnership with Polk County Fire Rescue

Polk State College celebrated the first graduating class June 6 from the Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program’s partnership with Polk County Fire Rescue (PCFR) to fill the local workforce need for paramedics. The 13 graduates…

Polk State biology professor enrolls in EMS Program to become better instructor for students, finishes top of his class

Polk State College biology and physiology professor Jeffrey Orasky has taught at the College for nearly seven years and many students from Polk State’s Emergency Medical Services Program have come through his classroom. To learn…

Polk State Nursing’s Fireside Chat Committee keeps students engaged

Students in Polk State College’s Nursing Program advocate in the best interest of their peers and have been able to implement some positive changes, big and small, thanks to the support of faculty and staff.…

Pinning Ceremony May 2019

Polk State held its annual Pinning Ceremony on May 1, 2019, for nursing graduates. The candlelight processional represents the traditional “Light of Knowledge” and “Ray of Hope” associated with the lamp that Florence Nightingale carried…

Polk State professor receives national AACC Faculty Distinction Recognition

Polk State College Professor of Biology Lisa Smelser is making a difference both inside and outside the classroom, and the American Association of Community Colleges (AACC) recently presented her with the 2019 Dale P. Parnell…

Lactation rooms provide Polk State students with comfort on both campuses

When Ashley Valderrama enrolled in Polk State College’s Nursing Program, she informed her professor that she would be a few minutes late getting back to class from break because she would be pumping breast milk…

Nursing holds annual Pinning Ceremony

Polk State held its annual Pinning Ceremony on Dec. 12, 2018, for nursing graduates. The candlelight processional represents the traditional “Light of Knowledge” and “Ray of Hope” associated with the lamp that Florence Nightingale carried…

GiveWell Community Foundation funds manikins for Polk State EMS

Polk State College’s Emergency Medical Services (EMS) Program is committed to providing realistic, interactive training that gives students and professionals the skills they need to be successful in the field, and thanks to a grant…